TWC Receives $5 million in National Emergency Grants to Serve Long-Term Unemployed

AUSTIN July 29, 2014 – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) was granted $5 million in National Emergency Grant (NEG) funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to train workers facing long-term unemployment. Eight local workforce development boards will use the funding to provide work-based training opportunities in high-demand occupations to long-term unemployed workers, focusing on Unemployment Insurance (UI) recipients who are likely to exhaust their benefits. Veterans and military spouses who meet the criteria set for dislocated workers will receive preference in selection for the programs supported by this grant funding.
“TWC is committed to helping Texans find jobs and get back on their feet,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Innovative programs developed by our local workforce partners are available to help job seekers improve their skills and secure employment.”

The eight workforce development boards included in the grant funding will implement or expand on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships and existing partnerships with employers in high-growth fields. The boards will place participating job seekers in bioscience, defense, nanotechnology, manufacturing and renewable energy industry jobs.

“This funding will support programs to assist Texans facing long-term unemployment find good jobs in industries that will provide opportunities for years to come,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Texans are ready to work and TWC is proud to support these initiatives to help equip Texas workers with the skills they need to succeed.”

TWC will leverage all available resources, including the Workforce Investment Act programs, UI, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, public assistance and veterans’ programs to complement the new programs launched from the NEG funding and better serve participating job seekers. Texas was one of 32 states—along with Puerto Rico and the Cherokee tribal nation—awarded funding from a total of $154.8 million made available through the Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker National Reserve fund.

“The programs supported by this funding will ensure that the employers that fuel the Texas economy will have a competitive workforce for years to come,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade.